The 2023 film Barbie is a fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. It is based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel and is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. The film stars Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
The film follows Barbie and Ken on a journey of self-discovery after an existential crisis. They are expelled from Barbie Land for not being perfect enough, and they must learn to navigate the real world, where they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
The film has been praised for its feminist themes and its exploration of Barbie's role as a cultural phenomenon. It has also been praised for its performances, particularly those of Robbie and Gosling, and for its Gerwig's signature wit and humor.
In addition to its main themes, the film also explores other topics such as the importance of self-acceptance, the power of friendship, and the beauty of imperfection.
Barbie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office. It was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Robbie.
Cast
- Margot Robbie as Barbie, often referred to as "Stereotypical Barbie"
Main variations of Barbie played by:
- Issa Rae as President Barbie
- Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie
- Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie
- Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie
- Hari Nef as Dr. Barbie
- Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie
- Ana Cruz Kayne as Judge Barbie
- Ritu Arya as Journalist Barbie
- Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie
- Nicola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie
- Ryan Gosling as Ken, often referred to as "Beach Ken"
Main variations of Ken played by:
- Simu Liu as Tourist Ken/"Rival Ken"
- Kingsley Ben-Adir as Basketball Ken
- Ncuti Gatwa as Artist Ken
- Scott Evans as Stereotypical Ken
- John Cena as Kenmaid, a merman Ken
- Michael Cera as Allan
- America Ferrera as Gloria, a Mattel employee who helps Barbie in the real world
- Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha, Gloria's daughter
- Rhea Perlman as Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel
- Helen Mirren as the narrator
- Will Ferrell as the CEO of Mattel
- Connor Swindells as Aaron Dinkins, a low-level Mattel employee
- Jamie Demetriou as the CFO of Mattel
- Emerald Fennell as Midge
- Asim Chaudhry as a Mattel warehouse employee
- Ray Fearon as Dan at the FBI
- Erica Ford as Skipper
- Hannah Khalique-Brown as "Growing Up" Skipper
- Mettenarrative as Barbie Video Girl
- Marisa Abela as Teen Talk Barbie
- Lucy Boynton as Proust Barbie
- Rob Brydon as Sugar Daddy Ken
- Tom Stourton as Earring Magic Ken
- Ann Roth as the woman on the bench
- Annie Mumolo as Anxiety Mom
- Lauren Holt as Time Mom
- Ryan Piers Williams as El Esposo de Gloria (Gloria's husband)
Director: Greta Gerwig
Writers: Greta Gerwig
Box Office Gross: $1,441,302,766
Distributor: Warner Bros
Genre: Adventure Comedy Fantasy
Release Date: July 19, 2023